Lawyers offer free expungement services at an event in New Jersey

A trio of dedicated attorneys – Andrew Cooper of Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP, Michael Hoffman of The Hoffman Centers PC and John Williams of the Law Firm of John D. Williams – are donating their time to help people expunge their records at an upcoming cannabis event Help Congress in New Jersey.

There are currently people in prison for cannabis-related convictions, essentially the same activities that are now legal in dozens of states. Like several other states, New Jersey offered a path to deportation, although this typically requires the expertise of an attorney. Certain mild cannabis convictions in New Jersey can be expunged, and a legal team on site at the convention can provide further information on the criteria.

NJBiz reports that the 420 Expo, taking place September 29th through October 1st at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, New Jersey, bills itself as a “stigma-free celebration of the legal cannabis lifestyle” and more than 100 attendees will include vendors, live entertainment, educational seminars, celebrity appearances and most importantly, expungement assistance.

“People with cannabis beliefs often have difficulty finding a job, housing or student loans. They often lose their right to vote and the ability to receive public support. Many employers will not hire someone with a prior drug conviction or have policies requiring immediate termination if a prior drug offense is discovered, with or without a conviction. The problem becomes even more serious when you consider that the vast majority of people arrested for cannabis were simply charged with possession,” said Cooper, who is also chair of the Cannabis & Psychedelics Practice Group at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman.

Cooper continued: “The so-called war on drugs has been particularly hard on minority and low-income communities, and although studies show that white, brown and black people use cannabis equally, black and brown people were almost four times more likely to use cannabis higher.” arrested for cannabis violations. Despite laws designed to support these communities, those most affected are also the least able to benefit due to a lack of access to information and support. The expungement clinics at 420 Expo are intended to provide meaningful access to information that is otherwise sorely lacking in society.”

Their plans “will provide access to legitimate support that can help people exercise their legal rights and take big steps toward their social justice,” said Davis, co-founder of 420 Expo. The meeting will feature Cheech Marin and a number of educational events and vendors. “We are thrilled to bring this type of necessary social support to our three-day cannabis celebration,” Davis said.

The 420 Expo will include VIP meet-and-greets with Marin as well as guest appearances from other cannabis industry celebrities and more than 20 seminars and panels that appeal to both casual and experienced cannabis enthusiasts. The event also features product demonstrations, play areas, competitions, glass blowing and ax throwing. In addition to various food trucks, there will also be a large smoking area outside.

While THC products will not be sold at the 420 Expo, participants may exceed the legal limit for personal use under state law, according to organizers.

The 420 Expo is open September 29th from 5pm to 11pm, September 30th from 12pm to 9pm and October 1st from 12pm to 6pm. For more information or to purchase advance tickets to this 21-plus event, visit 420Expo.com.

New Jersey’s cannabis destruction regulations

The Marijuana Decriminalization Act went into effect on July 1, 2021 and requires the expungement of certain cannabis and hashish cases. As a result, the Supreme Court has ordered the dismissal of thousands of cases.

People in New Jersey with minor cannabis use cases can apply for release, including those convicted of distributing less than an ounce of cannabis or less than five grams of hashish. Possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana or more than five grams of hashish.

If the case involved only one of the above offenses and one of the following offenses, it was struck out: possession of drug paraphernalia, use or influence of controlled, dangerous substances, and failure to lawfully dispose of controlled, dangerous substances.

New Jersey law does not require every cannabis-related charge to be expunged. If you have questions about your specific case, contact a congressional attorney or the New Jersey Legal Department. You can contact the court where your case was heard to confirm the expungement of your record and obtain a certificate. For more details, see Policy #24-21.

Expungement means the cannabis crimes are no longer part of your record and will not end up on your job application, housing application, or college application. The case has been removed from public records and cannot be used to keep you out of school, housing or most jobs.